Many factors go into how to choose outdoor landscape lighting that will best highlight the unique features of an outdoor space. We discussed beam angles and how they impact the overall lighting scheme. Closely related to beam angles is beam spread. Choosing the right beam spread will enhance the overall aesthetic value of an outdoor space so it is appreciated no matter the hour of the day or night.
This week’s blog post analyzes how beam spread plays an important role in creating a unique and stunning outdoor landscape lighting scheme for any outdoor space.
Understanding Beam Spread
Beam spread plays a crucial role in landscape lighting design, influencing how light is distributed across outdoor spaces. Beam spread is the width of the light’s distribution across an area and is related to the beam angle. For example, a wide beam angle, like one between 60 and 120 degrees, will give a broader beam spread. However, beam spread also affects the intensity of the light over a distance. A narrow angle and beam spread will provide intense light over a greater distance than a wide beam spread.
To achieve the perfect balance of coverage, intensity, and visual impact in any outdoor lighting project, you are going to need the right beam spread.
Key Concepts of Beam Spread
Beam spread plays a central role in creating lighting effects and can help you determine the best outdoor light fixture and placement to achieve the desired result. How do you select the best beam spread for an outdoor landscape lighting project?
1. Focus vs. Flood: The Purpose of Beam Spread
Figure out what the desired visual effect is first. You could either go for a sharp contrast to showcase architectural details, or maybe soft, ambient lighting would be more appropriate since it is for an outdoor seating area. After all, the best beam spread will highlight the focal point or provide enough illumination to an area.
● Narrow beam spreads come from beam angles that are 10-30 degrees. They create a focused spotlight effect that is ideal for emphasizing particular elements.
● Wide beam spreads come from beam angles between 60-120 degrees. Wide beam spreads provide a broader, diffused flood of light that is best suited for providing a nice wash of soft light.
2. Matching Beam Spread to Landscape Features
The right beam spread will depend on the feature that is to be lit.
Narrow beam spreads will be more suited for tall and narrow focal points like trees, columns, or statues. They will be able to better highlight the focal point’s height and details.
For focal points that are short or wide, such as shrubs, flower beds, or walls, wider beam spreads are more flattering. They ensure an even coverage of the light over the area and eliminate any dark spots.
3. Aesthetic Control Through Layering Beam Spreads
While both narrow and wide beam spreads have their individual applications, the most effective outdoor landscape lighting designs combine both. Combining beam spreads will create depth and dimension in any outdoor space to highlight its own unique beauty.
Narrow and focused beam spreads add drama and draw attention to specific focal points of the outdoor space. On the other hand, wider beam spreads can offer softer, diffused light to seamlessly blend the lighting present in the same space. Together, they create a layered lighting effect that enhances contrast, visual interest, and cohesion across the landscape.
Mastering the balance of beam spreads allows you to transform ordinary outdoor areas into stunning, professionally lit environments.
4. Energy Efficiency Considerations
Selecting the right beam angles and beam spreads will also be able to protect against light pollution and conserve energy. This is because light is directed to where it is needed and nowhere else. It can help minimize the number of outdoor light fixtures needed to illuminate an outdoor area, while at the same time optimizing the outdoor landscape lighting system’s performance.
Beam Spread Techniques for Special Effects
For ideas on how to use beam spread in your next outdoor landscape lighting installation, try incorporating some of these lighting techniques:
1. Wall Washing
Wide beam angles, those that are between 85-120 degrees, create an even glow across surfaces. Their beam spread will cover a large area and be soft and diffused which is perfect for ambient lighting. Wall washing also eliminates shadows and can highlight the textures of hardscapes and walls.
2. Moonlighting
For an ethereal look and feel, try mounting an outdoor landscape light fixture with a wide beam spread high in trees or on a wall. This will create a lighting effect called moonlighting, where the light mimics natural moonlight. The resulting light is soft and gives a nice, ambient glow for pathways, gardens, or outdoor seating areas.
3. Shadowing and Silhouetting
Play around with light and shadows to give visual interest to an outdoor space. Lighting techniques such as shadowing and silhouetting can create dramatic effects and add depth to any outdoor landscape. For example, placing a narrow beam with a narrow beam spread behind an object can create striking shadows on the background surface. This can enhance the overall visual impact of the outdoor space.
4. Grazing for Textured Surfaces
Another lighting technique is grazing. Place an outdoor landscape light fixture with a narrow beam angle and beam spread close to a textured surface. This will enhance the details of the surface in a visually interesting way. Grazing is perfect for lighting stone, brick, or other rough-textured surfaces.
Shop Outdoor Light Fixtures with Multiple Beam Spreads at LightCh8in
Understanding how beam spread plays an essential role in outdoor landscape lighting will allow you to create effective outdoor lighting designs. The right beam angle is determined by the purpose of the lighting and how it is to be applied. It will also enhance the beauty, functionality, and energy efficiency of outdoor spaces. Mixing and layering different beam spreads will give customized and visually stunning results.
To shop for various outdoor light fixtures in multiple beam spreads, log in or register for a free LightCh8in account now. Find brass outdoor light fixtures, LED lamps, and additional outdoor landscape lighting accessories that will make your clients’ landscapes come alive at night.